What better way to enjoy the magic of winter than by gliding around a frozen pond with the majestic buildings of Manhattan around you? Two popular skating oases in New York offer this unique opportunity to escape to a winter wonderland without ever leaving the city.
Ice skating in New York City transports you back to a time where all you needed to celebrate winter was the cold crisp air and the festive city lights. So get on your warmest hat, lace up those skates, and be prepared to relive a little magic from your childhood.
Rockefeller Center - Whether you are skating yourself or observing the action from the street or over a warm cup of cocoa at Rock Center Café, ice skating at The Rink in Rockefeller Center has been synonymous with winter in New York City for generations. Launched on Christmas Day 1936, Rockefeller Center's skating rink is now open annually from October to April. A golden statue of the Titan Prometheus stands surrounded by majestic running water, guarding all those who skate on his turf. During the holiday season, festive, nostalgic music serenades you while the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree looms overhead -- its sparkling lights and size compelling even those rushing by to acknowledge the magic of it all.
The Ice Rink does not take reservations, and skating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.The line can get quite long, especially around the holidays, so get there early – however, you are guaranteed an exciting, intimate experienc as there is room for only 150 skaters on the ice at a time. The Rink also offers skating lessons, birthday parties, and a special engagement package that includes admission to bypass lines, the playing of your favorite song, five minutes of exclusive ice time for the proposal, and a champagne toast. Visit the website for more details on these special events.
- Hours: Hours change annually depending on the holiday season, the weather, and the occurrence of private functions, so be sure to call or check the website for specifics. However, normal hours are the following:
- Monday through Thursday: 9am to 10:30pm
- Friday through Saturday: 8:30am to 12am
- Sunday: 8:30am to 10pm
- Admission: Adults: Prices can range from $5 for lunchtime skating up to $16, depending on the day of week and time of day
- Children Under 11 and Seniors: Monday through Thursday: $7.50, Friday through Sunday: $8.50
- Price of Skates per Session: $8
- Subway Stop: B, D, F, V trains to Rockefeller Center/47th-50th Streets
- Location: Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue between 49th & 50th Street, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-332-7654
- Website: www.therinkatrockcenter.com
Bryant Park - With a number of special events and a prime location between 40th and 42nd Street, New York City's only free admission skating pond at Bryant Park is one happening place in the winter. This popular destination offers group reservations, skating lessons, and a multitude of scrumptious dining options to indulge in after a chilly day on the ice. So inhale the crisp, clean air of Jack Frost as you glide and swirl your way across this winter wonderland with the spectacular cityscape of midtown Manhattan as your backdrop.
The Pond offers private party reservations for its Pond Party Room, situated next to the rink and featuring over 400 square feet of space, and full venue reservations to rent out the rink and the Skating Pavilion. Dining options include Celsius, a two-story restaurant featuring a mouth-watering menu, lounges surrounded by glass, and breathtaking views of Bryant Park and the surrounding area. If you are in the mood for something quicker, you can grab a cup of chocolate, a warming bowl of soup, or choose something else from the variety of comfort food favorites at Ice Bites. Special events offered at the Pond at Bryant Park include the New York Cares Coat Drive, which collects thousands and thousands of used coats and distributes them to needy New Yorkers around the city.
- Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 8am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday: 8am to 12am
- Admission: Free
- Skate Rentals: $12
- Subway Stop: B, D, F, V, 7 to 42nd Street/Bryant Park
- Location: West 42nd and 6th Avenue, New York, NY
- Phone: 866-221-5157
- Website: www.thepondatbryantpark.com
